Lucas Coniker is a Long Island, New York native, pursuing excellence in his three primary sports; Rock Climbing, Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Lucas represents the future of his sports, trains and performas at an elite level, and is the very first Cause of a Kind Sponsored Athlete
Tell us about yourself. What makes you uniquely you? Can you tell me a bit about your background, your hobbies, your human experience?
About me. As you know I am a climber, but I also am a wrestler and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. I come from a pretty big family, I have 3 siblings: Caleb, Jacob, and Addison. All my life I have been very connected with my family. Other than that I live the life of a normal teenage guy.
Tell us a bit about your goals and ambitions. As the first Cause of a Kind Sponsored Athlete, where do you envision your sport taking you? What are some of your goals as you continue to progress?
My main goals and ambitions are really just to stay active always. Whether it’s training in the gym or going to BJJ class I never want to not be doing anything. In regards to climbing my goal is to be the best climber I can be. I envision myself to be one of the strongest climbers in the world and I know I can reach that goal because I’m never not working hard and I’m dedicated. As I continue to progress the most important thing is to take it slow. Go grade by grade and just climb as much as possible. Only being 17 I have all the time in the world to be the best. Why rush it.
Naturally, you train in a gym, but execute outdoors. How would you describe the difference between indoor and outdoor climbing from the perspective of fear and risk?
It’s definitely a big transition to go from a gym climber to an outdoor climber. Climbing in a gym it’s a relatively safe environment, the walls all go to the same height, and there pads everywhere. With outdoor bouldering you don’t know what you're going to get with regards to the boulder. Some boulders can be 12 feet tall others can be 25 foot highballs. You have to be more cautious and aware when outdoor climbing and I would advise always having a spot because if one pad is set up wrong and you have no spotter it can go bad very quickly.
Spending so much time outdoors, you must see some environmentally unfortunate things. What are some ways that you are taking care of the world around you and what advice do you recommend to your peers?
It really is devastating seeing how dirty some people leave the crags and the beaches. Being a climber on Long Island most of the boulders are on the beach and walking the beaches you see trash everywhere you look. Not too long ago I participated in a cleaning of the beach at east Marion hosted by island rock. It felt really nice to give back to the community and would love to do it again soon.
You have an amazing bond with your family. It revolves around Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, Rock Climbing, and general competition. Where did this all come from? What or who inspired you to pursue your passions?
I would definitely say my dad is the guy that really inspired me and shaped me into the person I am today. Without him I would have never been introduced to BJJ. When I was young I wasn’t interested in any of the normal mainstream sports. My dad showing me the life of Brazilian jiu-jitsu really changed me as a whole. Having been in competitions since I was six, It really showed me how to handle my losses and grow from them. My dad has been by my side since day one and he will continue to be there helping me along my journey.
As you look forward to pursuing your education at SUNY New Paltz, what are your education goals? Where do you see your education enabling your future and what were some of the primary reasons you selected this institution?
My plan is to continue to further my education and my goal is to finish all four years of college. In addition to creating a network for my climbing and really striving to Pursue my professional climbing career. I chose SUNY New Paltz to be near the mountains. I get easy access to all the boulders whenever I want. It’s the perfect place to work on my dream career.
Where can people find you or get in touch? How can people get involved in ultimately giving back to things you truly care about? What are some projects, initiatives and adventures you're really proud of and would like others to learn about?
People can get in touch with me by following my Instagram. I’m just really stoked to share my progress and my journey as a climber.
What is your name and a should Bio to attach to it?
I am a 17 year old teenager who is trying to take there sport to the next level.
